Pakistani security forces encircled women's hostel at Turbat University on Thursday.
The intelligence agencies conducted a search operation in an attempt to gather information on a fidayeen fighter involved in a recent attack.
The raid sparked tensions in Balochistan.
Students claim that the forces interrogated them on Mahal Baloch, popularly known as Zilan Kurd, who was a part of the recent suicide attack by the BLA Majeed Brigade on a Pakistani army base in Bela.
The students said that enquiries concerning Mahal Baloch's presence at the hostel and her life were made, and that their rooms had been examined.
Immediately after the raid, there were reports that the soldiers stole multiple items from Mahal Baloch's room during the operation.
The investigation was specifically focused on Mahal Baloch.
Baloch is a resident of Gwadar and a law student at Turbat University.
Baloch was identified as the individual who carried out a fidayeen attack on a central camp of Pakistan Army in Bela as part of the Baloch Liberation Army’s Operation Herof.
Witnesses on the scene the army questioned multiple students about Baloch’s activities and presence within the hostel.
It was also said that the military personnel scrutinised the room and removed several items during their operation.
The occupied-authorities reportedly interrogated students about Mahal’s involvement in the recent attack, with some students being separately summoned for questioning.
The heavy-handed approach by Pakistani forces showed their use of force and cruel treatment of students and the militarisation of educational institutions. The raid, marked by its intensity and invasive nature.
Despite the widely reported raid at the university, the institution was mum on the raid and the alleged harassment of students that took place.
The lack of response from the university raises further questions about the absence of safeguards and the lack of protection for students in such politically charged environments.
Saturday Star
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